Charity volunteer is Rotary president

MICHAEL POOLEY has become the new president of Henley Bridge Rotary Club.

MICHAEL POOLEY has become the new president of Henley Bridge Rotary Club.

He is well known in Henley for his voluntary work with the Henley Visually Impaired Group, as a skipper with the Rivertime Boat Trust and as treasurer of the Regatta for the Disabled.

He was awarded the Henley Town Medal for this work.

Mr Pooley, who takes over from Annie Lathaen, said: “Henley Bridge Rotary is a very effective club that works closely with the local community and with selected projects overseas.

“The club is already planning the Henley half marathon on October 13, the Sue Ryder halloween fireworks evening on October 26 and a Forties-style big band dance on January 25. All proceeds will be donated to local charities and to projects in Uganda and Nepal.

“There is a full programme of speakers and a fun event each month including a bowls match, a visit to the Mini car factory at Cowley, a pot luck supper, a wine tasting, a river trip and many others.

“To help make us even more successful we need new members and new ideas. The club is open to men and women over 35 who wish to help give service to those in need. The commitment need not be onerous.”

Meanwhile, peace in the home was the subject of a talk given to members of the club by Sue Prior, head support worker at the Nomad youth and community project in Henley.

Nomad, which is based at the d:two centre in Market Place, has two full-time and three part-time youth and family support workers along with a number of volunteers.

Last year, its work involved 5,500 interventions with young people and their families in and around Henley.

Mrs Prior assured her audience that the various blisters and wounds hidden below the surface of Henley’s picturesque image were being addressed by the charity.

The club previously gave the proceeds of a dinner and auction to Nomad.

Anyone interested in joining the club should call Annette on (01491) 576432 or email membership.hbrc@gmail.com